By Emily Woodham
Staff Writer
Holy Rosary Catholic School in Idaho Falls and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Moscow welcome new principals this year.
Patrick Ryan is the new principal at Holy Rosary Catholic School in Idaho Falls. Ryan grew up in Pocatello at St. Anthony’s Parish (now a part of Holy Spirit Catholic Community).
“I fell into education,” Ryan said. He has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa. However, he missed the camaraderie of team sports. “I was a multisport college athlete,” he said. “I originally went into education to coach and teach.”
He took an administrative role when he was asked to be an athletic director for a public high school. “I liked how no day was ever the same and how fast the days flew by. I liked how I was constantly doing something. I liked to call it ‘running and gunning.’”
He is excited to work in administration for a Catholic school. “I am very thankful to be working in a place where we teach kids morals and values. This, I believe, makes the world a better place for everyone in it. You do not see this being taught in public schools nowadays.”
Academically, Ryan believes that critical thinking skills are the most important thing a student can learn. “That might be the science teacher in me coming out, but a student should be able to think and make educated decisions for the rest of their lives. My hope and vision is to grow the student body of the school along with elevating our academic performance.”
Greg Ahmann is the new principal at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Moscow. “I think that our world needs children directed firmly in our faith and taught to serve and love selflessly,” Ahmann said. He asked for prayers to help him as he leads the school as principal.
Ahmann was born into a Catholic family in Moses Lake, Wash. He served as a youth minister through National Evangelization Teams in the St. Paul, Minn. area for two years. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Gonzaga University, he served as a lieutenant and lead investigator for the City of Yakima, Wash. until his retirement in 2018.
A father of five, he left retirement to serve as principal. “I love God, His church, and kids, and I have a heart for Catholic schools. I wanted to help lead St. Mary’s Catholic School,” he said.
“I believe the most important thing that kids need to get out of a Catholic education is the knowledge that they are loved by God, and that they will have joy and peace in their life if they love and serve God with their whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.”
Ahmann hopes and prays that he can set an example by being a servant to the parents, teachers and staff.
“My vision is that we become a ‘Gem’ of the Palouse with children graduating from here with faith to move mountains and educational excellence.”
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